Chapter 293: Jiang Feng Speaks Up

Zhao Xiong walked to the microphone, stood still, and his gaze slowly swept over the crowd.

Then he cleared his throat, took the microphone, and a false smile appeared on his face.

"Today everyone has gathered at the Jiangcheng International Hotel for the Changeover Banquet, and first I must, on behalf of everyone present, thank Su Lao!"

He paused, his tone deliberately respectful: "These years, Su Lao, as Chairman of our Jiangcheng Chamber of Commerce, has made outstanding contributions to Jiangcheng's commercial development and has devoted much effort. I am here to raise a glass to Su Lao!"

Speaking, he took a glass of red wine, held it high, and gestured toward Su Ruiqing.

Su Ruiqing knew in his heart that Zhao Xiong's words were like a weasel wishing a chicken a happy New Year—nothing but ill intent.

But the performance still had to be complete, so he also lifted the wine glass before him, gave Zhao Xiong a distant toast, and tipped it back.

Zhao Xiong saw Su Ruiqing drink, and his smile grew broader.

"However, according to the rules of our Jiangcheng Chamber of Commerce, a Chairman serves a three‑year term, and Su Lao's term has ended. Moreover, Su Lao is so old that his body cannot endure such day‑and‑night toil, so today I, Zhao Xiong, dare to propose that Su Lao step down from the Chairman position and enjoy his twilight years at home!"

"Wow!"

As soon as Zhao Xiong finished speaking, a low murmur rose in the Banquet Hall.

"Finally said it! Zhao Xiong went straight to the point!"

"Looks like Zhao Xiong is determined to get it; Su Lao is in trouble this time!"

Sure enough, it came…

Su Ruiqing set down his wine glass, and a cold smile appeared on his face.

"Zhao Xiong, what you said is wrong. As the ancients said, even an old Lian Po can still eat! Though I am old, my bones are still sturdy; if I can continue to make modest contributions to the Jiangcheng Chamber of Commerce, I am willing, and it is not a matter of toil!"

His voice was resonant and confident, showing no hint of fear despite Zhao Xiong's challenge.

Zhao Xiong's smile faded slightly, and just as he was about to say more, Li Kun suddenly stepped out of the crowd.

"Zhao Family Head is right! Su Lao is highly respected, and we have seen his years of dedication to the Chamber; letting him, at such an advanced age, still worry about the Chamber day and night truly shows our own inadequacy as juniors, unable to share his burdens!"

He shifted his tone and looked at the crowd.

"Therefore I also think Su Lao should rest, and the Chamber's responsibilities should be shouldered by us younger people!"

Li Kun's words were like oil on fire, instantly igniting the atmosphere.

Everyone knew in their hearts that the Four Great Families are the pillars of the Jiangcheng Chamber of Commerce.

Now the Li Family and Zhao Family have both clearly stated that Su Lao should step down; the Wang Family's stance is now crucial.

As long as the Wang Family stands with the Zhao Family, even if Su Lao wishes to stay, it will be hard to reverse the situation.

All eyes turned in unison toward Wang Haitao in the corner.

Su Ruiqing also turned his head toward Wang Haitao, a hint of expectation in his heart.

Earlier, Wang Haitao suffered a heart attack, and Jiang Feng saved him; that debt hangs here.

If Wang Haitao could speak a fair word for the Su Family now, it would ease some of the current pressure.

Su Xueyan also looked at Wang Haitao, and her hands unconsciously clenched Jiang Feng's arm.

She knew that the Wang Family's attitude now could decide the final outcome of this Changeover.

Wang Haitao felt the whole room's gaze, and a trace of difficulty appeared on his face.

Jiang Feng saved his life, so logically he should speak for the Su Family.

But the Zhao Family just secured the Provincial Capital Gourmet City Project, a multi‑billion‑yuan venture, and the Wang Family also wants a share.

If he offends Zhao Xiong now…

What will become of the Wang Family's future?

After a moment of thought, Wang Haitao slowly stood, first clasped his fists in a bow to Jiang Feng, then looked around.

"Sorry, everyone. In principle I should have said a few words. But as you know, I previously had a heart attack; although Divine Doctor Jiang saved me, my health is still not great, so tonight my Wang Family will not take part, leaving it entirely to public consensus!"

Having said that, he returned to his seat, closed his eyes, and acted as if it were none of his business.

The crowd heard Wang Haitao's words and silently cursed him for being slick.

Zhao Xiong saw Wang Haitao choose neutrality, and his smug expression deepened.

He raised an eyebrow at Su Ruiqing, his tone tinged with mockery.

"Su Lao, look, everyone knows the Chamber needs fresh blood, a bold and visionary new leader! How our Jiangcheng Chamber of Commerce has developed these years is clear to all; we are already far behind other cities, and even in the Jiangnan Region we are falling behind the pace. This shows that your generation's vision is limited and can't keep up with the times!"

He paused, his tone brimming with confidence.

"And my Zhao Family, having just secured the Provincial Capital Gourmet City Project—a province‑wide priority—can bring huge development opportunities to Jiangcheng! Only if I become Chairman of the Chamber can we seize this chance and elevate the Jiangcheng Chamber to a higher level!"

"Well said! Zhao Family Head is wise!"

"We support Zhao Family Head!"

Song Zhijun and others immediately shouted their agreement.

Su Ruiqing, furious, trembled all over and, without backing down, spoke directly.

"Zhao Xiong, stop spreading deceitful words here! The Jiangcheng Chamber of Commerce's current scale is the result of how much effort I have poured in; it cannot be dismissed by a single sentence of yours!"

"Wait, I actually have something to say…"

At this tense moment, the previously silent Jiang Feng suddenly stood up.

Su Ruiqing felt a surge of joy, thinking Jiang Feng would speak for him.

"Jiang Feng, what are you, you're not even a member of the Chamber…"

Zhao Xiong, seeing Jiang Feng rise, angrily rushed to stop him.

But he didn't expect Jiang Feng's next sentence.

"Su Lao, to be honest, I think Zhao Xiong makes some points."

Su Ruiqing's smile froze instantly.

"Jiang Feng, you… what did you say?"

Zhao Xiong and Li Kun exchanged glances, each seeing surprise in the other's eyes.

They didn't expect that Jiang Feng would actually stand on their side.

"Su Lao, your body truly is no longer fit to bear such high‑intensity work. The Chamber of Commerce's affairs are tedious and complex, demanding day‑and‑night labor, which wears your body down excessively; you really should step back from this Chamber of Commerce work."

"Wow!"

Jiang Feng's words were like a sudden thunderclap on flat ground, instantly exploding throughout the Banquet Hall!

Everyone stared at Jiang Feng with wide eyes, their faces full of disbelief.

"Has Jiang Feng gone mad? He's actually siding with Zhao Xiong?"

"He's the Su Family's prospective son‑in‑law! How can he turn his elbow outward?"

"Could it be that he sees the Su Family collapsing and wants to curry favor with the Zhao Family? That seems unlikely; he was so arrogant before, even daring to confront Li Kun!"

Voices of debate rose and fell; everyone couldn't fathom why Jiang Feng would say such things.

Song Zhijun and the others were overjoyed, quickly echoing.

"Divine Doctor Jiang is right! Su Lao, you're old, and you truly should rest properly!"

Li Kun's face broke into a smug smile, and he gave Jiang Feng a courteous bow.

"Divine Doctor Jiang indeed understands reason! Unlike some people who, clearly already out of strength, still cling to their positions!"

Su Ruiqing's complexion turned pale in an instant, and looking at Jiang Feng, his eyes were full of disappointment.

"Jiang Feng, you… how could you say that?"

Su Xueyan also grew anxious, but she knows Jiang Feng, so she didn't intervene, merely watching him.

Jiang Feng reached out and gently patted the back of her hand, signaling her not to worry.

Zhao Xiong at this moment was laughing so broadly his mouth couldn't close, and he shouted at Su Ruiqing.

"Su Lao, look! Even your grandson‑in‑law says this; what more can you refute now? Retire if you must, stop hogging the latrine without using it, and don't delay the development of the Jiangcheng Chamber of Commerce!"